Various Artists - Hot Dance of the Roaring 20's (CD)

All Music Guide

During the final year of the Edison label's existence, 1, 200 songs (usually in multiple takes) were recorded but only a small number were ever released. In recent times Rick Carlson and Craig Maier have been transferring the test pressings to digital tape. For their third CD, 21 performances from such obscure studio groups as the Piccadilly Players, the Seven Blues Babies, B.A. Rolfe's Lucky Strike Orchestra, the Golden Gate Orchestra (the hottest of the bands), H. Oreste's Queensland Orchestra, Phil Spitalny's Music and large groups led by Mike Speciale, Duke Yellman, Bernie Stevens and Al Friedman are included; no household names in sight. Even 1920s collectors will be unfamiliar with most of this music but the renditions, with the exception of a couple of poor vocals, are consistently rewarding jazz-influenced dance band music. The short solos are strong, the musicianship is high, the melodies are often memorable and the recording quality is state-of-the-art for the time. - Scott Y...anow, All Music Guide Read more Less